seventeen things I’ve learned in south america in two months

I came to South America with very limited expectations and really not knowing too much about the continent itself. Over two months in, by no means am I an expert, but I’ve learned some interesting things!

Headed to South America and curious what I’ve learned? Look below!

1. They love their sweets! Ice cream at every corner (and you see people eating it at 9am), tons of sugar in any drink… even the bread is sweet!
2. I’m not sure hot dogs or hamburgers are from North American… I’ve never seen so many hot dog and hamburger places in my life
3. As a female, you’ll never hear so much cat calling (does it ever produce positive results?!). I knew it would happen,  but I wasn’t prepared for cars stopping and making kissing noises or “hola, hola, de donde eres???” Or not being able to just people watch at a park without being interrupted. On that note, my favorite phrase has been “dejame solo por favor.” And when that doesn’t work, just pick up your things and go!
4. You’ll want to squeeze alllll the stray dogs (and miss your pup at home so so much!)
5. You need to watch where you step… so many random holes in the sidewalk (this was especially bad in Cuenca)
6. If you enjoy coffee, you’ll constantly be on a mission for good coffee. South America may be a big producer of coffee, but they sure drink a ton of instant coffee
7. You’ll start saying “si, si, si” all the time… even when you’re speaking English. I’m guessing this is the equivalent to “yeah, yeah, yeah” in English?
8. Similar to above. You’ll say “ciao” all the time and you stop feeling pretentious about it
9. The Pope is coming to Peru. All the streets and churches have signs welcoming him later this month. In Huanchaco, there was insane road construction everywhere awaiting his arrival. (I haven’t fact checked, but a Peruvian told me it is costing the country almost S/. 40 million
10. Stop signs mean nothing. If you’re lucky, they may slow down to see if any cars are coming (who cares about pedestrians) or if there is a speed bump
11. Related to above. Honking means – I’m not going to stop, get out of my way, hola, do you want a ride, I’m turning, etc… in other words, everything under the sun
12. You’ll be brought back to your childhood because there are a ton and a half Volkswagen bugs everywhere!
    
13. The sun is really intense in South America. I find myself applying sunscreen multiple times a day to avoid a burn. If you’re one of those people who doesn’t feel the need to apply sunscreen while strolling about in the sun all day… I guarantee you’ll regret it. Speaking of the sun,  I thought I’d save on weight by skipping conditioner. Bad move. As mentioned above, I’m out in the sun for the majority of my day, every day, exploring. This means my hair is getting kind of fried… the small bottle of conditioner is well worth the added “weight.” (On a similar note, not sure my hair has ever been so light!)
14. South American time. It’s true. Nothing is on time. You’ll be told on a bus you have 20 minutes to grab snacks and go to the bathroom. You think this has to be the one time it will be true, so you rush. Once again, you are ready and waiting, and it’s 45 minutes later your driver is yelling “vamosssss”
15. You will wake up more times before 5am than you can count. Maybe I never researched too much (okay, I definitely did minimal research before I left), but none of these hikes are anywhere close to the city they’re based out of! Laguna 69? You’re in the van at 5am. Colca Canyon? 3am! Just be prepared if you’re trekking in South America, looking at your alarm times may be somewhat depressing
16. You will meet the best travelers. Traveling alone, it’s quite easy to meet others in hostels. Not only that, but everyone is willing to share the best places they went, the best place to eat, etc. I’ve been so lucky with the people I’ve met!
17. Music – is – everywhere. Hearing music where ever you go has to be one of my favorite parts of South America

Been to South America? What other things did you find out about after you arrived?